Island Shangri-La
(5 minute read)
Hotel review: We previewed the new look Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong…
A gem of a hotel...
Our review, hot off the press...
Decorative metallic panel, lift interior @ the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
Luxury awaits
How better to visit or re-visit Hong Kong than staying in comfort, ease and luxury at the Island Shangri-La?
The iconic hotel has graced the Hong Kong skyline since 1991, and continues to be a haven of peace and tranquillity for its guests. Situated in Admiralty and overlooking Hong Kong Park, the Island Shangri-La has always been rather special. And what a privilege it was to return. It was heartening to find that the hotel still exudes its particular grace and style.
With its 56 stories and 557 rooms and suites, not to mention events space, the Horizon Club, Spa and 7 of the finest restaurants in Hong Kong, the Island Shangri-La is a veritable institution. The hotel manages to be grand and understated at once, and also refreshingly spacious. And we mean spacious. In a city known for its skyscrapers and compact living, being able to enjoy the sweeping architecture of the hotel with its sense of roominess throughout, is true luxury. They just don’t build hotels like this any more.
In celebration of it’s 30 year anniversary, the hotel is currently undergoing renovation and refurbishment. So far the upgrade is divine, with rooms transformed by renowned interior designer and Frenchman, Tristan Auer. Auer brings a sleek aesthetic and touch of Zen mastery, which fit with the core DNA of the hotel perfectly, as well as enhancing its atmosphere of refined comfort and quintessential Chinese elegance. Head for the newly redecorated on rooms on the 47/F or 48/F to enjoy panoramic views of the Peak and surrounding area.
Dining
The hotel boasts 7 award-winning restaurants, which have been a mainstay of culinary excellence throughout the hotel’s history. Both restaurant Petrus (56/F) and The Summer Palace (5/F) are Michelin-starred, serving exquisite French and Cantonese cuisine respectively. Nadaman (7/F), a traditional Japanese restaurant and space, also never disappoints. Dine at the Teppanyaki counter and sample excellent dishes prepared by Chef Koyama, or opt for the highest quality sushi and sashimi.
The hotel has a large cafe (Cafe TOO, 7/F) for buffet breakfasts, the Island Gourmet for afternoon pâtisserie, the Lobster Bar & Grill and Lobby Lounge. All restaurants, including the modern and extensive room service menu, cater for guests with every appetite, offering plenty of options for the health conscious and those with food sensitivities. Smoothies, juices, salads and vegetarian options are readily available- quite rare among luxury hotels.
The mark of a good hotel is surely as much in its dining options as it is in its comfort and hospitality, and the Island Shangri-La continues to excel on this score.
Decor
Another remarkable feature of the hotel is that it is adorned with Chinese paintings and objects, including the floor-to-ceiling work: “The Great Motherland of China”, composed of 250 consecutive panels, featured in the atrium at the centre of the hotel. The hotel’s art collection is indeed extensive, comprising around 600 works, set off to aplomb against Tristan Auer’s new canvas.
Over 770 Viennese chandeliers are placed throughout the hotel, utterly divine to gaze at, and providing extra warmth and character to the space. The chandelier designs are timelessly elegant while remaining à la mode, and contribute to the special and captivating atmosphere the Island Shangri-La is renowned for.
The hotel regularly plays host to auctions and gatherings surrounding art festivals such as Art Basel, and with such fitting surroundings, it is no wonder the hotel is as popular as ever with the art and design crowd. One could imagine the venue and space will become ever more associated with art, and indeed Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a centre for art and design.
Viennese chandelier, hotel lobby @ the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
Close up section of “The Great Motherland of China”, @ the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
Renovated 48/F lift lobby, @ the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
Surrounding area
The beauty of the hotel also lies in its favourable location and proximity to Central, the beating heart of Hong Kong. The hotel overlooks Hong Kong Park, a landscaped, sub-tropical oasis, home to rare birds and an abundance of koi carp. Wander in, day or night, and stroll among the botanical gardens, lakes and waterfalls.
Central is a 10-15 walk through Hong Kong Park, passing through CitiBank tower and looping by St. John’s Cathedral to land on Queen’s Road Central. The tram is also accessible from opposite Pacific Place Mall, taking you into Central or beyond, east or west on the island.
The Peak Tram is conveniently located nearby also. A 5 minute walk across Hong Kong Park, the tram whisks you to the top of the Island, for walking trails and shopping and dining. A trip on this 130 year-old funicular railway is a must-do.
For shopping, access Pacific Place Mall from the basement of the hotel or using the escalator to the right of the ground floor entrance. The mall is usually less crowded than IFC or other malls on the island, and houses everything from luxury labels, to sportswear outlets, high street fashion shops, restaurants and the cavernous GREAT supermarket for deli and grocery needs.
The proximity to everything one could need is a huge factor in the success of the Shangri-La. That little bit tucked away and quiet, yet with so much to see and do right on its door step.
Pool
Pool & sun deck, @ the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.
A special mention too, must be made about the new outdoor pool space.
The south-facing pool and sun deck are transformed. A stone’s throw from Hong Kong park and receiving sunlight all day, a rarity in Hong Kong- enjoy the peaceful ambiance and sounds of tropical birds overhead. Swimmers are catered for with a swimming lane and with food and drink served to your sun lounger, a day by the pool is a day well spent.
It is a true testament to the Island Shangri-La that it remains as ever, a gem of a hotel in Hong Kong’s repertoire, and a place that could never be replicated. Yet with its recent and ongoing renovations, the Island Shangri-La only improves with time.
The serene interior, accommodation and excellent dining, make for the most comfortable and enjoyable stay. Kudos to the manager and team under Christopher Chia on a successful renovation project and to all, we wish you many more years of success.
Thankfully the hotel is now more captivating than ever…
Our top tips?: visit during Spring, and make sure to join Shangri-La Circle to accumulate points and member savings on dining and accommodation. And do order copious amounts of room service from Nadaman.
See the hotel’s awards and honours demonstrating its pedigree.
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© All rights reserved. Lifestyle Copywriters, Ltd, March 20, 2023. Images: LC.
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